An ice cold glass of homemade sweet tea on a hot summer day is impossible to beat. Sweet, smooth, and bursting with classic southern flavor, this simple drink will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re a fan of easy homemade beverages, be sure to check out our Arnold Palmer, another summer classic!

A pitcher of Sweet Tea.

Homemade Sweet Tea

Sweet tea is one of those timeless recipes that brings comfort and nostalgia with every sip. Whether you love it with a squeeze of lemon, a sprig of mint, or just over plenty of ice, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your taste.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Tea

  • Use Filtered Water: It can make a big difference in the final flavor.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: Taste as you go and add sugar gradually to find your perfect level of sweetness.
  • Choose Quality Tea Bags: A good-quality black tea will really shine through.
  • Steeping Time Matters: A longer steep means a stronger, richer tea, while a shorter steep gives a lighter flavor.
  • Don’t Squeeze the Tea Bags: This can add bitterness — just let them drain naturally.
  • Add Flavors: Lemon slices and fresh mint are optional for a fresh, summery twist.

Perfect Pairings

Homemade sweet tea goes beautifully with summer favorites like grilled or roasted chicken, fresh lemon and parmesan kale salad, or even a serving of peach cobbler. It’s the ultimate drink to serve at barbecues, picnics, or simple family dinners.

A glass of Sweet Tea

Can You Freeze Sweet Tea?

Yes! If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze this recipe. Store it in an airtight container, leaving room for it to expand, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

A pitcher of Sweet Tea.

Southern Sweet Tea

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chill 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Homemade sweet tea is smooth, refreshing, and easy to make for summer parties, picnics, or family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 5 cups water, plus more to fill pitcher
  • 6 bags (2g each) black tea
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and place the tea bags into the hot water, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the tea to steep for 10 to 25 minutes, depending on how strong you would like the flavor to be.
  • Gradually stir in the granulated sugar until it is completely dissolved.
  • Carefully remove and discard the tea bags.
  • Pour the sweetened tea concentrate into a 1-gallon heatproof pitcher.
  • Add enough cold water to fill the pitcher, and stir well to combine.
  • Refrigerate until chilled (about 4 hours, up to overnight)
  • When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour in the sweet tea.

More Refreshing Drinks

Homemade Lemonade

Cool down with this easy homemade lemonade recipe made with fresh lemons, sugar, and water. Perfectly refreshing, sweet-tart, and ready in just 5 minutes!

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